ANDRATX port & town

One of the distinctive features of Mallorca is the fact that most locations on the coast have both a port and, a little inland, a town. This is true of Port Andratx and Andratx.

The reason for this lies in the pirate raids of the 15th century. While the fishermen worked out of the ports, their women and children were safe further inland, usually on higher ground. When the pirates attacked, fires were lit in the towers along the coast and the population of the ports retreated to the fortified towns.

 

While the Port of Andratx is bustling all year-round, the town of Andratx is delightfully quiet and sleepy. Its ancient cobbled streets are only really busy on Wednesdays, when it is market day and locals shop for the finest island produce, traditional handmade shoes and baskets.

A walk through the tangled upper streets of the town to the 13th century Santa Maria church is well worth your time. Here you can see clear down the valley to the Port and, especially if you come in February when the orange trees are in blossom, the view is wonderful.